10 Random Facts

The wonderful M of ReadEatWriteRun tagged me oh so many moons ago for a “random facts” post. I don’t typically write these types of posts (note to self: write more, and then write more) but I think it is a great way to get to know someone better. So, let’s proceed with some blog speed dating, shall we?

1. I was the world’s longest member of the Girl Scouts. Well, not really, but it felt like it. I started off as a Daisy in Kindergarten, and continued until I could Girl Scout no more which was senior year of high school. I have fond memories of all of my years spent with an organization that cultivates little girls into strong, empowered, and community-minded women. When I wanted to quit, it was the kind words and dedication of my troop leader that reeled me back in. I’m grateful that she thought I was worth it even though I was less active as time wore on.

2. I am a lefty through and through. I pride myself on being the only born and bred lefty on both sides of my family. Actually, there isn’t much I can do solely with my right hand. I am creative and have always gravitated toward the arts. I have a theory on why my left handedness supercedes my right handedness and that’s because…

3. I am blind in my left eye. Call it a stroke of luck (or un-luck) but I have never known what it is like to see anything on the left side of me. To compensate, I have a very innate sense of “feeling” (I easily sense when someone or something is on this side) and impeccable hearing. I think being partially blind is causally related to my left handedness although I will never know for certain. After 30+ years I have finally come to terms with the fact that this is who I am and it has shaped nearly every aspect of my life. Would I go back and change things if I could? Absolutely not. I’m perfectly imperfect!

4. I have always wanted to be a writer. My parents tried their hardest to please me on Christmas and birthdays, but paper and markers/pens/pencils were all I ever wanted. I thought the only career outlet for this was to be a journalist. In college, I was dead set on going to law school, but changed paths when I came to the realization that I had an endless love for history (copious amounts of writing).

5. I saved animals when I was younger. My mom and I would save baby birds that had fallen from trees, spoon feed them, and train them to fly. I kept a few snails as pets although those went missing after some time and wrangled lost and wayward canines, attempting to keep them for my very own. Nothing changes (well, except for the snails).

6. My middle name is Ann, after John Denver’s “Annie’s Song,” my parents wedding song. I’m not sure if they are lying to me about this, but it sounds good to me.

7. I was in a near fatal car accident when I was 19. Collapsed, contused, and punctured lungs, broken ribs, a broken sternum. Needless to say, that was one of the darkest times in my life and I never want to relive that nightmare again. But, at least I can say that I cheated death.

8. My love for running began early. My elementary/middle school gym teacher saw something in me that no one else did and tried to cultivate my love for running. She even entered me into a 200 meter hurdles competition in fifth grade. I wasn’t able to play contact sports per doctor’s orders (I couldn’t take the chance of jeopardizing the sight in my right eye). I will never forget that and wish I knew how to contact her to thank her.

9. My first concert ever was Debbie Gibson.I will never forget that. I didn’t care who was watching, I tore up the aisles of Nassau Coliseum as an 8-year old with reckless abandon. Sometimes I wish I was more like my 8-year old self.

10. My mission in life is to make the world a better place.Cliche? Yes. Truth? 110%.